Anhydride – Introduction, Importance, Preparation, Reactions, and Applications

What is Anhydride?

Anhydride – Introduction: An anhydride is a compound that can be formed by the dehydration of an alcohol or a carboxylic acid. This process removes a molecule of water from the compound. Anhydrides are often used to produce polymers, such as plastics, or to make other chemicals.

Importance of Anhydride

Anhydride is an important component in the production of various types of plastics. It also used in the production of adhesives, inks, and paints. Anhydride is also used as a fuel additive to improve the performance of gasoline.

Preparation of ethyl acetate

An aqueous solution of ethanol (ethyl alcohol) mixed with acetic acid (vinegar). The ethanol and acetic acid react to form ethyl acetate and water. The ethyl acetate then separated from the water by distillation.

Applications and Occurrence of Acid Anhydrides

• Acid anhydrides generally used as intermediates in organic synthesis. Some common acid anhydrides are acetic anhydride, benzoic anhydride, and phthalic anhydride.
• Acid anhydrides a class of organic compound derived from the reaction between an acid and an anhydride. The simplest acid anhydride is acetic anhydride, which formed by the reaction of acetic acid and acetic anhydride. Other examples include propionic anhydride, butyric anhydride, and valeric anhydride.
• Acid anhydrides also used in a variety of industrial and laboratory applications. They commonly used as reagents in organic synthesis, and as catalysts in the production of plastics and synthetic fibers. Acid anhydrides also used as drying agents, and as corrosion inhibitors in metal finishing.
• Acid anhydrides are highly reactive compounds, and can be dangerous if mishandled. Therefore they should stored in tightly sealed containers, and handled with care.

Acid Anhydride

An acid anhydride is a compound that results from the removal of water from an acid.

Examples of acid anhydrides include:

• Acetic anhydride
• Trichloroacetic anhydride
• Phenylacetic anhydride
• Acid anhydrides also used in the production of esters.